Saturday, May 14, 2011

Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the slow cooker

If you remember my Menu Plan Monday post from the beginning of the week, you may recall seeing that Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs were part of my plan.  Since I've been a bit absent-minded lately, I ended up making the meatballs a day late.

So, on Thursday, just as I was getting ready to mix together my chili sauce and grape jelly (see recipe link above), I noticed a recipe for Ultimate Party Meatballs on the bottle of chili sauce.  After running downstairs to find the other ingredient in my pantry, I decided to give the new recipe a try.




Ultimate Party Meatballs in the slow cooker

Ingredients:
  • 12 oz bottle chili sauce
  • 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 34 oz bag frozen cocktail meatballs
Directions: 
  • Pour chili sauce and cranberry sauce into bottom of slow cooker insert.
  • Use a slotted spoon to really mash the jellied cranberry sauce and stir until well combined.
  • Stir in the frozen meatballs making sure to coat all the meatballs with the sauce. 
  • Cover and cook on high for one hour. 
  • Stir occasionally.
  • Reduce heat and cook on low for 3-5 hours, still stirring to coat the meatballs with sauce. 


Notes: 
  • My bag of frozen meatballs was ever-so-slightly larger than the amount called for in the recipe on the jar. 
  • This recipe can be done on the stove too.  As stated in the Ultimate Party Meatball recipe, add the sauce ingredients to a large saucepan.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.  Add meatballs.  Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through.  (I prefer the slow cooker method that I use when I make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs.)
  • I loved switching out the cranberry sauce for the grape jelly!  It was actually easier then measuring out the grape jelly (no sticky mess!) and tasted just as good! 
  • We usually have buttered egg noodles on the side, but I'm thinking I might make some rice when we re-heat the leftovers. 






I'll be sharing this recipe at the following blog carnivals and linky parties: 

3 comments:

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

I personally think these are better than swedish meatballs. How would these be as a meatball sandwich for the leftovers? Maybe on a hot dog bun with some grilled onions and peppers? Just a thought.

Alison said...

@Debbi Does Dinner Healthy

Debbi, my husband would probably really enjoy these as a sandwich on a hot dog bun. Me? I'd prefer a nice crusty french bread or even a real (Philly) hoagie roll!

The grilled peppers and onions sound like a wonderful idea! Thanks for the inspiration! We have more than enough leftover to make these into sandwiches!

annies home said...

these sound awesome so delicious come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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